BSB gives $10,000 to HU's Ag Institute

Posted: Friday, June 19, 2015

Bippus State Bank has given Huntington University a $10,000 donation to support the HU’s new Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies.

“Agriculture is a key part of our business and a key part of the communities that we serve, not only farmers, but ag-related business,” said Ryan Warner, the bank’s president. “There is so much of our economy that revolves around agriculture. Huntington University’s new ag program is a perfect fit for what our community is about, and we look forward to working with Huntington University in the future on their ag program and the successes that it will bring for our community.”

Since 1911, Bippus State Bank has been committed to remaining an independent community bank while providing premium financial products and services to the communities they serve in Huntington and Wabash counties. Further, Bippus State Bank is committed to promoting economic growth and stability within those communities.

“Bippus State Bank continues to be a strong partner for Huntington University,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University. “Historically, Bippus State Bank has joined in to serve on our community boards, as well as given valuable resource support to academic and athletic programs. We are blessed to have the support of our business community as we continue to develop the new agriculture program. This support is critical to the successful launch of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies.”

Bippus State Bank’s donation to the program was given through the Huntington County Community Foundation. HU received $50,000 of matching grant money through the Lilly Phase VI Community Endowment Initiative, with $30,000 allocated to the Forest Glen Baseball Park renovations and $20,000 allocated to the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies.

“The Community Foundation will add $5,000 to this gift,” said Vincent Haupert, HU’s vice president for advancement. “We greatly appreciate Bippus State Bank partnering with us through the Huntington County Community Foundation to help us maximize this matching opportunity.”

Launched in the fall of 2014, the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies at Huntington University promotes a Christian perspective on agriculture, which recognizes a responsibility to be good stewards of God’s creation and to examine questions of sustainability and justice. The program is intended to meet the growing need for agribusiness professionals and is anticipated to include concentrations in business innovation and entrepreneurship, communication and public policy, crop production, agricultural education, and ministry and missions.

For more information about the program, visit www.huntington.edu/agriculture. For those who are interested in supporting the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies, there is a limited amount of matching funds from the Huntington County Community Foundation left. Please contact Vincent Haupert for information at (260) 359-4089 or vhaupert@huntington.edu.